The Hundred: Gary Kirsten steps down as Welsh Fire men's head coach after winless 2022 run

Gary Kirsten has parted ways with Welsh Fire as head coach after the disastrous 2022 edition of The Hundred season where they lost all eight games. Welsh Fire finished the 2021 edition in the second-last position with just three wins and failed to win any games during the latest edition. The three wins from 16 Hundred games is the worst return by any team in the tournament so Kirsten's exit was expected.

The former South African cricketer struggled for results after some successful spells with team India and South Africa. He also worked as a batting coach and mentor for Gujarat Titans in the 2022 Indian Premier League season and has previously managed IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and BBL team Hobart Hurricanes. Kirsten was strongly linked with England's head coach role after the 2021-22 Ashes but failed to bag the job.

Would like to express their thanks to Gary Kirsten: Welsh Fire

Kirsten planned to build Welsh Fire's squad around star English batter Jonny Bairstow, but the wicketkeeper-batter missed the 2022 edition with an injury. The team struggled for consistency. Welsh Fire have confirmed Kirsten's exit and also invited candidates to apply for the head coach role.

"The team has confirmed that after leading the side for the past two seasons, Gary Kirsten will not be returning to coach the team for the coming season. An advert for the role has gone live today. Everyone involved with Welsh Fire would like to express their thanks to Gary for his contribution and efforts over the past two years. We look forward to receiving applications for the men’s Head Coach role from a wide range of candidates," Welsh Fire said in a statement.

Mark Alleyne, Jason Kerr, and Matthew Maynard were also part of the coaching staff for Welsh Fire. The former England assistant coach Paul Farbrace is the leading candidate to take Kirsten's job after showing interest in The Hundred last month.